Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have this morning arrested three patched members of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) following a series of early morning Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance searches and services.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, police attended three residential properties in Lynbrook, Narre Warren, and Hampton Park at 5am this morning.
A 53-year-old Lynbrook man, already the subject of a FPO, was charged with make threats to kill, possess steroids, possess cannabis and two counts of possess prohibited weapon.
On 22 June, Highway Patrol officers in Forest Hill intercepted the man after police observed he wasn’t wearing a seat belt.
Investigators will allege the man became verbally aggressive and subsequently made threats to kill the members.
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 23 March, 2023.
A 28-year-old Narre Warren man was served with a Firearm Prohibition Order and interviewed for possessing a prohibited weapon.
He is expected to be charged on summons.
A 38-year-old Hampton Park man was charged with possess methylamphetamine and possess ecstasy. He was also served with a Firearm Prohibition Order.
He was bailed to front Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 9 March, 2023.
Police located knuckle dusters and two knives during the searches, as well as varying quantities of what appears to be methylamphetamine, ecstasy, cannabis, and steroids.
Once issued, an FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults and five years for children, which is those between 14 and 17 years of age.
During that time, the individual is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.
They are also unable to enter a range of premises including firearms dealers, shooting ranges or firearms clubs.
The charges relating to FPOs are significant – 10 years imprisonment for acquiring, possessing, carrying or using a firearm or firearm related item.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1600 FPOs across the state.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan, Echo Taskforce:
“Firearm Prohibition Orders serve as a powerful tool to hold certain individuals accountable when it comes to the use of illicit firearms.
“They are an integral enforcement tool which provide police with specific powers to proactively respond to, disrupt, and prevent firearm-related crime.
“FPOs are not issued only based on a person’s criminal history with firearms – they are being issued to those people we know have a significant history of serious violent crime or who are linked to serious and organised crime groups.
“We know these individuals have traditionally been involved in violent crimes such as shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking, extortion, and intimidation and we believe today’s actions will impact this criminal organisation’s ability to commit further offences of this nature.
“Today’s enforcement sends a clear message to organised crime groups and their associates – you cannot hide. Police will use every power we have to prevent you from causing harm to our communities.”
Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
